Tradition is truly the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication. The Nigerian police, Benin command got more than they bargained after they arrested a Chief priest and took him to their station in Benin which is considered a taboo in Benin land.

With the priest’s detention, an age-long tradition which says the Ohen N’ UKoni does not enter Benin, the abode of the Oba, had been desecrated.

Trouble started last week when operatives of the anti-cultism unit stormed Evbiekoi community following on a petition by John Elvis (aka Atekha), an ex-official of the banned Community Development Association (CDA).

Briefing reporters on the incident, Secretary of Evbiekoi community, Chief Paul Ajayi said: “The policemen shot sporadically and insisted on taking Chief Priest Usunalele to Benin City, despite pleas that the man does not enter Benin or he would die.

“A strange and mysterious downpour, accompanied by violent wind, thunder and lightning, were part of the signs of desecration.

“The Oba got the signs of desecration and presence of Ohen N’ UKoni, and sent emissaries to the Police Commissioner, Danmallam Abubakar, after confirming that the Chief Priest was in Benin.”

Consequently, three dogs were slaughtered as sacrifices were carried out near the police headquarters before the chief priest was released.

Additionally, a list of other items has been given to the police for cleansing sacrifice the land.

The items include 14 native cows, tortoise, sheep, goats, cocks, among others. It was also gathered that the tradition was started in the 15th century by Oba Ewuare the great.

The chief priest’s shrine is located at Evbiekoi, in Uhunwode Local Government Area, and as part of coronation rites, he would have a symbolic wrestle with the Crown Prince. Both of them would go opposite ways, never to see each other again, once the Crown Prince becomes the Oba.

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I'm Jane Francis, a graduate of University of Ibadan (UI) with BSc in Economics and MSc in Economics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). I'm quite passionate about Information Technology at large which has made me equip myself with the knowledge of Digital Marketing Media, Customer Services and quite a number of IT specialties.
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